When Nordic settlers came to Iceland in the 9th century they found a rugged landscape covered in ice. But they soon found that underneath that ice was a land with a distinctly warm heart. Volcanoes were an unmistakable part of the package, adding real estate to the island on a fairly regular basis, geologically speaking. Geysers, hot springs, rugged cliffs and age-old glaciers, along with those still-active volcanoes, make up the Iceland of today. Iceland is remote, located in the North Atlantic between Greenland and the European mainland.

Volcanoes

Iceland sits in a gap on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This gap runs roughly 10,000 miles along the ocean floor, right where the North American plate butts up against the Eurasian plate. Volcanic activity dates back 20 to 25 million years and is still going strong. In 2010 the Eyjafjallajokull Volcano erupted on Iceland’s southern end causing evacuations and sending huge clouds of volcanic ash into the atmosphere. This eruption wreaked havoc with air travel across the Atlantic and within Europe. Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnukur, was created by the Oraefajokull Volcano, rising 6,922 feet above sea level. Various hiking and cross-country ski tours are available to Oraefajokull, part of Vatnajokull National Park.

Glaciers

Glaciers cover more than 11 percent of Iceland, stretching across some 4,600 square miles. Along with winds, storms and waves crashing on shore, they’ve helped sculpt the island’s topography. Vatnajokull is the largest of these glaciers, located in southeast Iceland and covering 3,240 square miles. In some places the glacier is 3,000 feet thick. This ice landform is larger than the collective glacial mass in all of mainland Europe. Most of the glacier is within National Park Vatnajokull. Visitors in good physical shape can traverse the glacier in cross-country skis or by foot. All visitors to the back country must file a report with the authorities before setting out. Facilities are not available, so you must remember to take everything you need with you and leave no trash behind.

Geysers

Even the glaciers couldn’t quell the steaming hot waters beneath Iceland, evidenced by the number of geysers and thermal pools that dot the landscape. The Great Geysir first appeared during the 14th century and was a tourist attraction through the mid-20th century. The 282-foot tall gusher displayed seismic activity in 2000. A smaller geyser, spraying water about 115 feet in the air, is nearby. Called Stokker, it is one of the most visited geysers, putting on a show roughly every six minutes. You may not consider Iceland a place to work on your tan, but in summer it is entirely possible. Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, topped with Moroccan sand, is on the Atlantic coast. It is home to an artificial hot spring that maintains ocean temperatures at a comfortable 64 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The beach offers amenities such as changing rooms, a snack bar, and boat and canoe rentals.

Waterfalls

Iceland is home to some impressive waterfalls. The highest is Glymur, fed by the Hvalfjorour River, dropping 196 feet to its base. Surrounded by tree plantations and the multicolored volcanic landscape, it is one of the most remote cascades, while Seljalanstross is one of the most tourist-friendly waterfalls. A pathway leads behind the falls, allowing for an even closer view of the water rushing by. At 328 feet tall, it is fed by the Seljalandsa River in southern Iceland. Dettifoss, at a height of 144 feet, is not the tallest waterfall in Iceland but it is an impressive 328 feet wide. Depending on the season, between 52,000 and 132,00 gallons of water cascade over the face of the cliff every second. This waterfall is a product of glacial runoff carried by the Jokulsa a Fjollum River from the northern end of Iceland.

Sea Cliffs, Fjords and Puffins

Northwest Iceland and the Westfjords peninsula project a land of craggy cliffs and scenic, finger-like fjords. Lightly populated, this area is home to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and is a nesting haven for Atlantic puffins. With a bright red beak and equally red feet, these birds nest on the sea cliffs during the spring and summer. You can reach the reserve by driving the windy fjord road from West Iceland or by taking a boat to one of the small towns along the coast. Various tours are offered, such as a hiking excursion to the seabird cliffs in Hornvick Bay. Another option is a self-guided hike through the nature reserve, with a round-trip boat ride from Bolungarvik. Latrabjarg cliffs, situated in the westernmost part of Iceland, is another popular destination for viewing millions of birds, including puffins, northern gannets and razorbills. The dramatic cliffs measure 1,443 feet in height and are nearly 7 miles long.

About the Author

Monica Wachman is a former editor and writer for FishersTravelSOS, EasyRez.com and Bonsai Ireland. She has an AA degree in travel from Career Com Technical and is an avid RV buff and gardener. In 2014, she published "Mouschie and the Big White Box" about an RV trip across North America.